Sri Naganathaswamy Kethu Temple - Kezhaperumpallam, Karaikal - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 30 km from Karaikal, 42 km from Chidambaram, and 59 km from Kumbakonam, Naganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Keezhaperumpallam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples located in Tamil Nadu, and among the must-include places in Karaikal Packages.

Naganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered as Naganatha Swamy, along with his consort, Soundaryanaki. While Lord Shiva serves as the principal deity, the temple is particularly renowned as a Kethu Dosha Parihara Kshetram. Here, Kethu, often referred to as the shadow planet Mercury, is depicted with the head of a serpent and the body of an asura. Devotees first offer their prayers to Kethu before proceeding to the sanctum to receive blessings from Lord Naganathaswamy and Sri Soundharyanayagi.
According to mythology, Lord Vishnu took on the form of 'Mohini' to distribute Amrutham to the Devas during the churning of the milky ocean. At that time, the demon Swaryabanu, disguised as a Deva, consumed the nectar. Upon noticing this, Lord Surya and Chandra alerted Mohini, who, in her anger, struck the demon's head with a spoon. The head was severed and merged with a serpent's body, resulting in what is known as 'Rahu' (the dragon's head). Subsequently, the serpent's head joined the body of the asura, leading to the creation of 'Kethu'. Following this event, Kethu prayed to Lord Naganathaswamy at this temple to absolve himself of his sins, and Lord Shiva granted him the blessing to reside there.

Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style by the Cholas in the 12th century, Naganathaswamy Temple features a two-tiered tower and two precincts. In a separate shrine, Kethu is depicted with five-headed snakes, worshipping Lord Shiva with folded hands. Visitors come to this temple seeking relief from Doshas, the adverse effects associated with the planet Kethu. It is believed that Kethu brings prosperity to devotees' families, alleviates the consequences of snakebites, and cures ailments caused by poisons. He is also said to bestow good health, wealth, and livestock upon his followers.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8.30 PM

Entry: Free